The obligation for biologists to commit to political advocacy

Scientists historically are a politically inactive bunch, but with research funds threatened they can no longer afford to be apathetic, argues Thomas D. Pollard, cell biologist and dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

In an essay appearing in the Oct. 12 issue of the journal Cell, Pollard urges researchers to become more active in sharing breakthroughs in their science labs in a time of global economic problems and pressure to cut deficits.